State authorities have charged Shontover Kirkland with one count of reckless conduct and two counts of involuntary manslaughter for the drowning deaths of Eynn Wilson and Edward Kirk Jr. which occurred at Clarks Hill Lake back in April.
The GBI and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office arrested Kirkland, 32, of Augusta earlier today.
In the early stages of the investigation, reports stated that Wilson fell into the water off a boat on April 25. Kirk jumped in to save him. Neither resurfaced. This lead to nearly a week-long search for them but resulted in both bodies being discovered in the lake on May 1.
However, GBI officials were made aware of a video that was being circulated on social media shortly after the incident. The video appears to show someone being pushed off the boat. The GBI’s investigation took the video under consideration in addition to witness testimonies and evidence gathered from the investigation.
The GBI says the investigation is still ongoing and upon completion will be turned over to the Toombs Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
Anyone with information concerning this investigation is asked to contact the GBI at 706-595-2575. Tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS(8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.
Edward Kirk Jr. Eynn Wilson